Friday, March 20, 2026
ADVT 
National

Health Canada reviewing two deaths of plasma donors in Winnipeg, says no link so far

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Mar, 2026 10:43 AM
  • Health Canada reviewing two deaths of plasma donors in Winnipeg, says no link so far

Health Canada is investigating the deaths of two people in recent months who donated plasma at private collection centres in Winnipeg.

It says the deaths happened in October and January following plasma donations at two locations run by Grifols, a company that pays donors.

The story was first reported by CBC, which said one of the donors died when her heart stopped while giving plasma.

Health Canada says the investigation is ongoing and no link has been established between the donation process and the two deaths.

Grifols says, based on information so far, it has no reason to believe there was a correlation between the deaths and plasma donation.

The company says it followed protocols in both cases and is conducting its own review in addition to supporting the government investigation.

"Every donor undergoes an extensive health history evaluation and physical examination before being deemed eligible to donate," the company said in a written statement this week.

"We strive to operate under strict operational procedures at the highest standard."

Picture Courtesy: AP Photo/Juan Karita, FILE

MORE National ARTICLES

Conservatives prepare for national convention, anniversary of Harper's historic win

Conservatives prepare for national convention, anniversary of Harper's historic win
On the morning of Jan. 24, 2006, newspapers across the Prairies spread the word with headlines like, "The West Is In!" and "Tories Turn The Tide!"

Conservatives prepare for national convention, anniversary of Harper's historic win

Trump withdraws Carney's invitation to 'Board of Peace'

Trump withdraws Carney's invitation to 'Board of Peace'
U.S. President Donald Trump has rescinded an invitation to Prime Minister Mark Carney to join his new "Board of Peace" — marking the latest upheaval in the relationship between Canada and the United States as a critical trade agreement is set to be reviewed.

Trump withdraws Carney's invitation to 'Board of Peace'

Protecting Canada's sovereignty emerges as key topic at cabinet retreat

Protecting Canada's sovereignty emerges as key topic at cabinet retreat
Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet are in Quebec City for a second day of meetings ahead of Parliament's return on Monday.

Protecting Canada's sovereignty emerges as key topic at cabinet retreat

FBI director confirms arrest of Canadian ex-Olympian and fugitive Ryan Wedding

FBI director confirms arrest of Canadian ex-Olympian and fugitive Ryan Wedding
Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, accused of running an international drug ring, has been arrested in Mexico, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed Friday.

FBI director confirms arrest of Canadian ex-Olympian and fugitive Ryan Wedding

Police says man dead in 'targeted' shooting in Burnaby, B.C.

Police says man dead in 'targeted' shooting in Burnaby, B.C.
A man has been killed in Burnaby, B.C., in what police are describing as a targeted shooting.

Police says man dead in 'targeted' shooting in Burnaby, B.C.

Surrey Hospitals Foundation launches Fraser Health region’s first foundation-led Health & Research Network

Surrey Hospitals Foundation launches Fraser Health region’s first foundation-led Health & Research Network
Surrey Hospitals Foundation today announced the launch of the Surrey Hospitals Health and Research Network (SH Network), a foundation-led research funding and coordination platform designed to accelerate health research, innovation, and talent retention across Surrey’s health care facilities.

Surrey Hospitals Foundation launches Fraser Health region’s first foundation-led Health & Research Network